I Pray That You Forget Me - Chapter 101
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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As the Major delivered what seemed like a common piece of advice in a somewhat rude manner, the expressions of the soldiers at the same table became awkward. Some looked uncomfortable, dropping their gazes and glancing around.
Even two privates sitting at a table in the back whispered to each other while casting furtive glances at the Major.
‘What’s going on?’
It seemed the Major was either unaware of the growing unease around him or indifferent to it, as he continued with his unsolicited speech.
“When a man and woman become spouses, they swear to be faithful to one another. But fidelity isn’t just about not being unfaithful to others.”
While addressing the audience, the Major suddenly turned his gaze toward me and said,
“Don’t deceive.”
At that moment, I realized this speech was meant to intimidate me.
“…If you claim to be a husband but don’t help your wife find what she has lost, then that means you love yourself more than her. Is it even questionable whether you truly love your wife?”
Isn’t this about me?
“I doubt that scoundrel is even a real husband. He’s just exploiting one poor woman, trapping her in the bonds of marriage and treating her like livestock.”
The sermon grew increasingly bizarre. With only a glass of wine to drink, I wondered if he had gotten drunk off just that or if he had been intoxicated since he arrived.
The Major, having rambled incoherently about something obscure regarding this wedding, finally shifted his gaze away from me.
“It seems I got a bit worked up after seeing some unfortunate cases lately. In any case, I hope nothing like that befalls you two, and as a token of my congratulations, I’ve brought some alcohol. Please overlook my rudeness for today.”
As the Major concluded his speech, he pointed toward a stack of crates at the barn entrance, piled high by his subordinates. After hearing that they contained alcohol, the soldiers erupted in cheers, banging their fists on the tables.
The townsfolk appeared indifferent, but the military police, tasked with preventing misbehavior, exchanged concerned glances.
Thanks to the generous gift, everyone began to forget about the Major’s erratic behavior and bizarre remarks, diving into the food and drink. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease around the Major and enjoy the banquet.
It had been a long time since I had attended a feast, and all I wanted was to leave this place. I couldn’t taste the food at all. But we couldn’t get up until the guests finished their meals and got up, so I couldn’t simply leave midway because I wasn’t hungry.
“Rize, eat more.”
“I am eating.”
“Is the food not to your liking? Olga’s cooking is excellent.”
“It’s very tasty. You have to eat slowly to enjoy the flavors.”
“Oh, then it’ll get cold.”
I pretended to eat while chatting with Johann and the locals at our table. Each time I turned my head, I inevitably made eye contact with the Major, who was sitting across the barn.
‘That wretched man.’
Once, he even raised his glass with a smile, making a show of greeting me. I ignored it, trying to avoid any misunderstanding that I had any kind of acquaintance with him.
After a while, the plates at the table began to empty, and people started to get up from their seats. The moment to stand up and leave without feeling awkward had arrived.
“I’ll check outside to see if we can get a carriage home. It’s cold and dark out, so you stay here.”
Johann seemed to think it was safer to leave me in a crowded place, and he stood up first. He whispered in my ear,
“I think it’s best to leave this mountain village behind now.”
I still felt regretful and afraid, but I didn’t oppose him as I had before. Johann walked out the door, and I tried to continue chatting naturally with the people sitting across from me, but my mind was completely on the door he had just exited.
‘I hope he comes back soon.’
While I waited, dissonant sounds began to ring through the barn. It was the sound of old men tuning their instruments, as they often did when there was a village event.
Even if the April night was chilly, dancing would make you forget the cold. The townspeople always lit torches and danced outside in early spring, but these days, due to blackout regulations, they had to do so inside the barn.
Still, how often do we get a chance to enjoy dancing, music, and drinks like today? With eager faces, everyone began to get up from their seats one by one, excited to see the band.
‘I had high hopes of dancing with Johann late into the night today… But then that damned madman shows up. Ugh…’
As I turned my gaze across the barn, I froze. The Major was coming this way, looking directly at me.
